More than 110 Vulcan District Scouters gathered recently at Trinity UMC to celebrate district accomplishments and thank adult leaders for their “gift of time.” Committee Chairman David Keith gave a report on the “Vulcan District Footprint,” which included many notable successes in 2014:
SERVICE: Volunteers logged over 15,000 hours of service, including a district-wide service project to improve the Shades Creek Parkway nature trail.
TRAINING: The district raised the Direct Leader Contact training percentage to 6% through initiatives such as the first-ever Day of Training at Samford University and a year-round schedule of training programs such as OLS, SMLST and BALOO.
ADVANCEMENT: Our district awarded 76 Eagle Scout ranks and 13 Palms. Scouts earned more than 600 Boy Scout rank advancements and 3,200 merit badges, while Cub Scouts earned nearly 1,000 rank advancements.
ACTIVITIES: Pinewood Derby, Cub Day Camp, summer camp, Advance-o-Rama, Cast Iron Chef Challenge, Veterans Day parade, and Camporee were among the stellar list of activities organized by our leadership. In addition, Vulcan District leaders provided significant support for the Greater Alabama Council ScoutFest, which was a huge success, involving more than 400 Vulcan District campers.
SCOUTING PROGRAM: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Venture crews ran rich programs, providing many opportunities for young people to participate in high adventure, camping, educational and leadership-building activities. Whether blazing a trail at Philmont or sailing a boat in the Keys, Scouts were exploring new adventures in the outdoors.
Mr. Keith ended his remarks by saying our greatest challenge in 2015 is to involve more youth in Scouting.
A number of adult leader knots were awarded, including:
Den Leader Awards
- Roger Griffith, Pack 95
- Steve Karg, Pack 326
- Rick DeFilippo, Pack 326
Scouter’s Training Award
- Shannon Curlings, Pack 393
Cubmaster’s Key
- Mark Boackle, Pack 397
Unit Leader Award of Merit
- Mark Boackle, Pack 397
- Chris Morhard, Troop 76
Boy Scout Leader’s Training Award
- Dudley Dickerson, Troop 63
- James P. Williams, Troop 63
- John Mark Hart, Troop 63
The following special awards were presented:
Vulcan Award
- David Dowd
Vulcan District Award of Merit
- Shawn Wright, Troop 97
- John Hornsby
Awards presentations were followed by an address from Greater Alabama Council Executive, J.T. Dabbs, and Vulcan District Executive, Michael Wells. The evening closed with a benediction and Scoutmaster’s Minute by Walter Rush.
Door prizes included an ENO hammock and Patagonia jacket, donated by Mountain High Outfitters. Order of the Arrow, Coosa Lodge, Nunne-Hi Chapter served and Troop 97 provided a color guard.
